The organisms or germs causing your illnesses are easily passed from person to person, e.g. when using the toilet, touching the toilet seat, the flush handle, taps, food utensils and food itself. Others touching these items could then pick up the bug and could become ill.

The risk of passing it on to other people is greater when people are handling food, involved in health care, are in nurseries, schools and playgroups and in hospitals, due to the close person to person contact and because they are sharing facilities. If you work in any of these areas you must not return to work until you are 48 hours symptom free from your last bout of illness.

View information and advice about good personal hygiene

If you suspect you have food poisoning it is recommended that you visit your doctor as soon as possible. You may be asked to submit a faecal sample for examination. Samples are useful in that they might be able to show which food-borne illness you are suffering from, or could rule out food poisoning. Viruses can also be detected.

Consult your doctor immediately if the person affected is a baby, a young child, elderly or if they have an existing illness or condition. You should also contact your doctor if symptoms are prolonged or severe (e.g. bloody diarrhoea).